Summary

The author shares their profound enthusiasm and joy for wildlife encounters, detailing personal experiences and the emotional impact of observing animals in their natural habitats, particularly in national parks.

Abstract

The article "I Go Berserk For Wildlife" captures the author's passion for wildlife, emphasizing the happiness, calmness, and excitement experienced during animal encounters. The author describes various instances of spotting wildlife, from common sightings like squirrels and coyotes at home to more thrilling experiences in places like Yellowstone National Park, where they observed bison, bears, and pronghorns. The piece highlights the importance of research in finding the best locations for wildlife sightings and the author's dedication to capturing these moments through photography. While acknowledging the circle of life and the need for animals to thrive in the wild, the author expresses a preference for seeing animals in their natural environment over zoos, with the exception of well-managed wildlife refuges and farms. The article concludes with the author's aspiration to become a dedicated wildlife watcher and an invitation for readers to share their own wildlife experiences.

Opinions

The author has a deep appreciation for wildlife and feels a strong emotional connection during encounters with animals.
Wildlife sightings are considered a highlight, making the author feel excited and serene simultaneously.
Researching and planning are crucial for maximizing the chances of wildlife sightings during trips.
The author believes that animals should be treated well, whether in the wild, at a farm, or in a wildlife refuge, but has reservations about some zoos.
Photography is an important aspect of the author's wildlife experiences, providing a way to capture and reflect on these moments.
The author values the natural behavior and survival of animals within the circle of life, recognizing that not all wildlife is protected.
There is an intention to further engage in wildlife observation activities, such as birdwatching, in the future.
The author is open to learning from others, as seen in the invitation for reader input on identifying certain animals like coyotes versus foxes.

I Go Berserk For Wildlife

These encounters can make you feel happy, calm, and excited

Bison in Yellowstone National Park — Photo Credit: Author

Has wildlife ever stopped you dead in your tracks? Have you felt happy and calm after?

When I do see animals out in the wild, time tends to stop after I freak out a little bit and I don’t want the moment to end.

Wild animals are not something I see often. At home, I see the occasional squirrel or coyote. Even when I see a horse or any confined animal, I get so excited I can barely contain myself.

Animals love to come say hello to me (Prescott, AZ) — Photo Credit: Author

I love to watch them. Photograph them. Stare at them from afar. Trust me, I would get up close if there were no consequences.

If I am going somewhere where wildlife sightings are an option, I make sure I research. Finding information is crucial for me to know where to look.

The best is when you are surprised and find a beautiful bear taking a bath in a pond.

Black bear taking a swim in Yellowstone National Park — Photo Credit: Author

We’ve gone to wildlife refuge centers in other states, an ostrich farm here in California, and to unprotected parks where the wild animals flourish.

They do flourish but then they also have to be aware. They are not protected from the circle of life out there in the forest or jungle.

I’ve come to the conclusion that if they are being treated well, I don’t have a problem with them being at a farm or wildlife refuge. Some zoos are another story though and I won’t frequent those.

Nothing beats seeing these animals out in the wild. My love affair with wildlife began years ago when we went to Canada for the first time.

I flipped out when I saw a fox and some deer. These are things that you don’t see in Southern California. We sat in the car and watched deer cross the road.

Deer in Banff, Canada — Photo Credit: Author

My photography skills weren’t the best back then but I can see the growth.

Our next trip to Canada was even better when it came to seeing wild animals. I couldn’t believe that every single time we went out in our car, we were blessed with wildlife sightings.

Big horn sheep ran across the street in front of us.

Big horn sheep (Jasper National Park, Canada) — Photo Credit: Author

During our recent trip to Yellowstone National Park, I was in wildlife heaven. In our first 30 minutes of being inside the park, we saw a valley of bison.

This guy came right up next to our car — Photo Credit: Author

My mouth fell wide open. I got lost in a gaze marveling at how many bison were taking a break from grazing. Little did I know that there were a lot more to come.

On our way to Old Faithful, we saw a mama bear running with her little cubs trailing behind. One stopped to check us out.

Mama Bear and her cubs — Photo Credit: Author

The next day, a pronghorn came into our view. They are beautiful and did you know they are the 2nd fastest animal? The first is the cheetah. We played a little trivia one night at a cookout. We caught a few mule deer after that.

Pronghorn enjoying the field of flowers — Photo Credit: Author

We missed out on seeing a moose or any elk but that is a good reason to go back and see the rest of the park.

Mule deer checking me out — Photo Credit: Author

I felt so relaxed and calm this whole trip, besides the spike in my heart rate from excitement when I would first spot a new animal.

We can all benefit from taking it slow and watching the animals. Maybe I will take up birdwatching next? I was kind of jealous of all the wildlife watchers with their chairs, snacks, big telescopes, and giant cameras just chilling and waiting for the next animal to show its face.

That’ll be me, someday.

We caught sight of a few coyotes that we thought were foxes at first, but I am pretty sure they are coyotes. If you have an opinion, let me know.

Coyote, I think, in Yellowstone National Park — Photo Credit: Author

I am going to leave you with a few more wild animal photos that I can’t resist sharing.

How cute is this squirrel? Yellowstone National Park — Photo Credit: Author

A bison and a deer (also checking me out — we had a connection) — Photo Credit: Author

The baby bison are called “red dogs” — Photo Credit: Author

Are you a wildlife lover? If you are compelled to write about it, too, please tag me!

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